Personality in Focus
Segun Awolowo: End of a Life Well Lived
- /home/rhoncare/pointblank.ng/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://pointblank.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_20180113_172358.jpg&description=Segun Awolowo: End of a Life Well Lived', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/rhoncare/pointblank.ng/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 69
https://pointblank.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_20180113_172358.jpg&description=Segun Awolowo: End of a Life Well Lived', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
By Eric Elezuo
Segun Awolowo was not only revered as the grandson of the late nationalist and one-time Premier of the Old Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, he was a toast of the Nigerian social and entrepreneurial circle, holding the enviable position of the president, National Trade Promotion Organizations (TPOs) from ECOWAS member States, till that fateful Thursday, November 20, 2025, when death struck.
Announcing his demise, at the age of 62, via a statement, the Awolowo family noted that “With extremely heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Olusegun Awolowo,” describing him as “the world’s most phenomenal husband, father and grandfather — steady, wise, endlessly loving, and the constant anchor of our family.”
“We are shattered by this loss, but forever grateful for his life, his legacy, and the love he poured into all of us. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
To those, who had doubts as the news filtered in, were convinced that the unassuming legal practitioner and businessman par excellence, was actually gone. The tears that followed were unprecedented, coupled with an avalanche of mourners and early callers to his Ikoyi home, and the home of his mother, to offer heartfelt condolences.
Named after his father, Segun Awolowo Sr., who died at the age of 25, two months before his birth on September 27, 1963, the young Segun became a child of destiny from day one, a destiny he struggled pleasantly to fulfill.
Having lived with his mum, Abba Folawiyo till age of early education, Segun moved in with his aunt and uncle, Tola and Kayode Oyediran, in whose custody he began and concluded early primary education.
It would be recalled as part of his achievements in office, in June 2019, the NEPC under his leadership planned a partnership with retail company, Shoprite for the latter to export Nigerian products to other African countries and beyond. He also drove the Zero Oil Plan, as an economic blueprint for Nigeria, launched in 2016.
He engaged to promote the plan with the private sector, relevant government institutions and international development partners and businesses. Zero Oil is a part of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), a medium-term plan developed by the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning.
His Zero Oil plan is to increase the country’s export by increasing production of homemade goods, moving from the export of raw materials to value-added products so as to increase the foreign-exchange revenue, to promote the value of Nigerian-made products and services abroad, and to create jobs. It aims to generating $30 billion in foreign-exchange earnings.
Since his death on Thursday, condolences, tributes and sympathy messages have continued to flood in, filling the media spaces, and reminiscing on the good life he lived, and the positive impact he had on other lives.
SEGUN DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF AS A SCION OF THE AWOLOWO FAMILY – TINUBU
In a statement signed by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu, expressed deep condolences on the demise of Segun Awolowo. The statement reads:
“Segun exemplified the Awolowo pedigree in appearance, character and demeanour. Like his grandfather, he was a lawyer committed to defending truth and justice.
“He made significant contributions to Nigeria. He served diligently as the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council from 2013 to 2021, standing as the longest serving executive director of the agency in history,” the President says.
“My sympathy and condolences to his wife and children, the Awolowo family, and his mum, our own Sisi Abah Folawiyo.
“I also commiserate with the governments and people of Ogun State, the entire South-west geopolitical zone, and Nigeria, over this painful loss. May his soul rest in peace.”
HE WAS AFFABLE, HIGHLY INTELLIGENT, AND EXTREMELY EASY-GOING – GOV DAPO ABIODUN
While mourning the departed, governor of his home state, Ogun, Dapo Abiodun, described his passing as a deeply profound personal loss, and a rude shock.
He referred to him as “a gentleman par excellence, a voice of courage, and a consummate public servant,” noting that he received the news “with utter disbelief” and would forever treasure memories of their acquaintance.
According to Abiodun, the deceased was “affable, highly intelligent, and extremely easy-going,” traits which endeared him to many and made his demise even more painful.
“It is extremely hard to process the news that Segun Awolowo Jr. is gone, but we submit unreservedly to the will of the Almighty God, who has called him to His bosom.
“We are deeply heartbroken, but we take consolation in the exemplary lessons his life taught us, for he was indeed a jolly good fellow.”
The governor noted that although Awolowo Jr. was born two months after the death of his father and was acquainted with grief from childhood, he rose above life’s challenges to become an icon in his own right.
HE WAS A PATRIOTIC NIGERIAN – GOV BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on his part, described the Segun Awolowo as a patriotic Nigerian, who served his country with vision, integrity, passion and unwavering commitment, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile.
Sanwo-Olu, also condoled with friends and his associates, describing his death as shocking and great loss to the country.
“It is with a deep sense of sorrow that I commiserate with the family, friends and associates of the late Olusegun Awolowo. He was undoubtedly a great Nigerian, who served his country passionately. He was also a good ambassador of the Awolowo family.
“On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Lagos State, I express my heartfelt condolences to the Awolowo family, as well as friends and associates of the deceased. I pray that God will give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant Olusegun Awolowo eternal rest,” he said.
HE WAS A BRILLIANT LAWYER, WHO INSPIRED MANY NIGERIANS – SENATE PRESIDENT AKPABIO
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his condolence message, described Segun Awolowo as a brilliant lawyer, who inspired many Nigerians to reach greater heights in life, adding that his death is a major blow to the Yoruba race and Nigeria as a nation.
Akpabio said in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, that “The news of the demise of my friend and brother, Segun, came to me unexpectedly.
“I am in shock. But who are we to question the decision of our Creator? He determines when we arrive and when we depart.”
Akpabio noted that Segun’s legacy as a brilliant lawyer, devoted family man, and compassionate individual would continue to inspire many.
“On behalf of the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District and the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I pray that his soul rests in perfect peace, and that his family, friends, and associates find strength in the cherished memories he leaves behind.
“May God grant the Awolowo family the fortitude to bear this loss, and may Segun’s legacy continue to inspire us all.”
The date and process of his burial is yet to be announced.
The President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Dr. Yinka Folami, has commended the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and its Director General, Dr. Ola Awakan, for putting together an impressive outing for Nigeria at the just concluded WTM London 2026, held at ExceL London between November 3 and 5, 2026.
Speaking on behalf of NANTA, the umbrella body for travel agencies in Nigeria, Dr. Folami said the NTDA’s outing was not just impressive, it was historic, it was dignified, it was Nigeria at its best.
Dr. Folami, who was represented in London by NANTA’s First Deputy President, Mustapha Mohammed, leading a high-powered NANTA delegation, with NANTA as the only association with a dedicated presence at the NTDA stand at WTM London, said he watched with pride as NTDA led Nigeria’s participation, with the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had commended Awakan for his immersive storytelling, collaboration and innovation in his first year in office.
He said: “On behalf of NANTA, I want to commend the Director General of NTDA, Dr. Ola Awakan, for putting together an impressive outing for Nigeria at WTM London. He did not just take Nigeria to London, he took Nigeria back to the world. After years of absence, after years of invisibility, Nigeria was seen, Nigeria was heard, Nigeria was engaged. The NTDA stand was a true national showcase. The storytelling was compelling. The partnerships were strategic. The visibility was real. This is what leadership looks like. This is what commitment looks like. And NANTA is proud to have stood side by side with NTDA in London.”
Dr. Folami noted that Nigeria’s participation at WTM 2026 enabled the country to present its tourism assets to a global audience, raising the profile of key destinations and products while opening new market possibilities, advancing collaboration, innovation and storytelling in promoting Nigeria’s tourism potential.
The NANTA President was emphatic: NANTA’s support for NTDA is not a one-off, it is a commitment.
“I want to assure Dr. Awakan and the entire NTDA that NANTA under my leadership will continue to support his leadership of NTDA. We will always partner with NTDA and other government tourism agencies to harness, develop, grow and market Nigerian tourism assets and destinations. That is our mandate. That is our promise. Government cannot do it alone. Private sector cannot do it alone. But together, government and private sector can put Nigeria where she belongs – on the world map, and on the world market.”
“We handed over in 2024 because we believe the goal is not who owns Nigeria’s stand, but that Nigeria has a stand. And now that NTDA has taken up the baton with such excellence, NANTA will stand beside NTDA – wherever Nigeria needs us, we will be there.”
In a special tribute, Dr. Folami appreciated Elizabeth Agbola, Founder and CEO of NTT Global Destinations, who worked hand in hand with NTDA to birth the return of Nigeria to the global tourism trade event.
“I want to specially appreciate our sister, Elizabeth Agbola, who worked hand in hand with Dr. Awakan to birth this return. Behind every successful outing, there are silent workers, there are bridge builders, there are people who make calls, and who encourage support for greater good. Elizabeth is one of them.
Dr. Folami prayed for greater visibility for Nigeria in international tourism expositions across the world.
“My prayer is that this WTM will not be a one-off. My prayer is that Nigeria will be at FITUR in Madrid, at ITB in Berlin, at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, at WTM in London, every year, with a bigger stand, with a bigger story, with bigger results. Visibility is not vanity. Visibility is business. If you are not seen, you are not sold. And Nigeria must be seen. Nigeria must be sold. May God give NTDA, NANTA, and all of us, the grace to sustain this momentum.”
The NANTA President also called on other players and associations to support government efforts to promote tourism in Nigeria.
“I am calling on all other players, all other associations – FTAN, NATOP, ATPN, hoteliers, tour operators, airlines, state tourism boards – let us support government efforts to promote tourism in Nigeria. Let us stop grumbling. Let us stop competing for who owns Nigeria. Let us compete for who serves Nigeria better. Government has done its part at WTM. Now we must do our part. Let us bring our products, let us bring our packages, let us bring our investments, and let us make Nigeria the destination of choice in Africa.”
Finally, Dr. Folami commended NANTA members and all stakeholders who came out in numbers to support NTDA and Nigeria’s return to WTM.
“To our NANTA members who travelled to London, who committed financial support to NANTA, who paid their way, who manned our stand, who marketed Nigeria with passion, I say thank you. To our NANTA BOT Chairman Alhaji Aminu Agoha, supported by BOT Member Alhaji Kabir Maiwada, who visibly graced the event with their support and presence, I say thank you, and To all stakeholders, FTAN, NATOP, AITEC World, the media, the diaspora community in the UK who stormed our pavilion, I say thank you. You came out in numbers to support NTDA and Nigeria’s return to WTM. You proved that when Nigeria calls, her children answer. This victory belongs to all of us.”
Dr. Folami concluded with a message of hope: “Nigeria is back. And by the grace of God, Nigeria is here to stay. NANTA will always partner with NTDA. NANTA will always put Nigeria first. That is not just our slogan. That is our legacy.”
Personality in Focus
Khaira Bala Emerges Winner of 16th UBA Foundation Essay Competition, Gets N15m Grant
Khaira Bala emerges winner of16th UBA Foundation Essay Competition, wins N15m
Khaira Ojima Bala of Metro International School, Abuja, has been crowned as Nigeria’s top secondary school essayist for 2026, emerging as the winner of the 16th edition of the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition
Khaira, 15, was announced as the winner during the grand finale of the competition, where she received a N15m educational grant to study at any university in Africa. The event was held on Tuesday at UBA House, Marina, Lagos, and had a large audience which included finalists, parents, students, teachers and judges.
An elated Bala dedicated the award to her parents. “I am so happy right now. My parents have sacrificed so much for my education, and this award belongs to them as much as it belongs to me,” she said. “I also want to thank the UBA Foundation for believing in young people like me and giving us a platform to share our ideas.”
Unwanabasi Otobon Udom of Topfaith International Secondary School placed second, receiving N10 million, while Flourish Chibunumoma Ndamzi of University of Port Harcourt Women Association International Secondary School came third, receiving N7.5 million.
God’sfavour Ezekiel Udo of Federal Government Girls College, Ikot Obio Itong, and Uchenna Olivia Anyanwu of Coral Impacts International School, Abuja, came 4th and 5th, receiving N5 million and N3.5 million, respectively.
The 20 finalists emerged from over 15,000 entries submitted by senior secondary school students across Nigeria, as they wrote on the topic: “No nation can develop without food security. How can Nigeria deal with this problem?”
They also had the opportunity to be part of a one-day writing boot camp with the judges.
This year’s grants total N41 million, an 82% increase compared to the N22.5 million grant awarded last year, following the Foundation’s expansion of the number of winners from three to five as well as an increase in the value of each award.
All the 20 finalists also received several consolation prizes, including modern laptops to aid with their homework and research work. Their UBA accounts were also funded with N20,000 each as a token of appreciation from the bank’s Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba.
Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, told the 20 finalists that they were all winners and urged them to see their selection as proof of what hard work and curiosity can achieve.
“You were selected from more than 15,000 students, and you earned this place through your hard work, your curiosity and your determination. We do this because we believe in the future of this continent, and the best investment we can make in that future is in our youth,” Alawuba said. “This is corporate social responsibility, but it goes beyond that. UBA is more than a bank; it is an institution that plays a great role in the future of Africa. How can we say the future is Africa if our young people are not the ones driving it?”
Alawuba explained that the higher grants were a response to rising costs. “As inflation increases and it becomes more difficult to see a child through school, we have raised the amounts to make sure these students get to school. For us, that is important,” he said.
Alawuba also noted that the Foundation would consider writing workshops for participating schools as the competition grows, to build competence, confidence and critical thinking among students.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, who thanked parents, teachers and the judges for their support, described education as the surest investment in Africa’s future.
“Over 16 editions, we have watched our finalists go on to excel in universities and careers across the world, and that is the impact we set out to achieve,” Atta said. “So far we have spent over N3bn on this competition in the past 16 years and increasing the number of winners and the value of the grants means more young people can now pursue a university education without the burden of cost. We will keep strengthening the competition so that it continues to reward original thinking.”
The UBA Foundation is the corporate social responsibility arm of UBA. The National Essay Competition, which began in Nigeria in 2011, now runs in other African countries where the Bank operates, alongside the Foundation’s work in education, healthcare, economic empowerment and environmental sustainability.
Personality in Focus
Technology Consumption: How Nigerian Engineers Could Shape the Future of Chip Design
Africa’s participation in the global technology industry should go beyond using digital products and services.
African engineers also have an opportunity to contribute to the technologies themselves, including the semiconductors that power smartphones, computers, vehicles and artificial intelligence. Nigerian semiconductor technology company ChipMango is working to develop this capability by connecting engineering education with practical chip-design and verification projects.
Through its investment in African venture capital funds, the European Investment Bank (EIB), under the Boost Africa initiative, is helping strengthen the ecosystem that supports innovative businesses like ChipMango. Boost Africa is a joint initiative of the EIB and African Development Bank, supported by the European Union.
Watch the video to discover ChipMango’s story and the opportunities it is helping create.
Watch the video:
